State’s development must be gauged by local jobs & sustainable livelihoods: CM

SHILLONG, July 10: Meghalaya’s development must be measured not merely by infrastructure or economic growth but by its ability to create jobs, retain its youths and secure dignified livelihoods for families in their own villages, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Friday.
Sharing his views following an interaction with Business Standard, Sangma said real progress should ensure that communities become active participants in the state’s growth and are not left behind in the development process.
For the chief minister, the measure of progress lies in creating an environment where young people can pursue careers closer to home, families can earn sustainable livelihoods within their villages and communities have a stake in the state’s growth.
Acknowledging that Meghalaya still has a long way to go, Sangma described the state’s development journey as a collective effort and stressed the need for people and the government to work together towards achieving its goals.
He expressed confidence that collective participation would help Meghalaya move forward on its development path.